Textbook-Integrated Guide to Educational Resources

TIGER

Using Molecular Dynamics Simulation To Reinforce Student Understanding of Intermolecular ForcesPhillip R. Burkholder, Gordon H. Purser, and Renee S. ColeThis article presents a series of experiments incorporating molecular dynamics simulations which predict the motion of chemical species based on the application of empirical rules and a physical analysis of the forces that act between the species. These motions can then be shown in vivid graphical form.Burkholder, Phillip R.; Purser, Gordon H.; Cole, Renee S. J. Chem. Educ.2008, 85, 1071.

Computational Chemistry |

Hydrogen Bonding |

Molecular Mechanics / Dynamics |

Physical Properties |

Solutions / Solvents

Dancing Crystals: A Dramatic Illustration of Intermolecular ForcesDonald W. MundellCrystals of naphthalene form on the surface of an acetone solution and dance about in an animated fashion illustrating surface tension, crystallization, and intermolecular forces. Additional experiments reveal the properties of the solution and previous demonstrations of surface motion are explored.Mundell, Donald W. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 1773.

Aromatic Compounds |

Liquids |

Molecular Mechanics / Dynamics |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

Physical Properties |

Surface Science |

Noncovalent Interactions

Molecular Model of ZinconWilliam F. ColemanThe Featured Molecules this month are the tautomeric forms of the colorimetric reagent zincon. The structures could be used as an introduction to the concept of tautomerism, with students being asked to develop a definition of the term based on their observations of the difference(s) in linkage in the two forms.Coleman, William F. J. Chem. Educ.2007, 84, 305.

Amino AcidsWilliam F. ColemanThe Featured Molecules this month are the 20 standard alpha-amino acids found in proteins. The molecules are presented in two formats, the neutral form and the ionized form found in solution at physiologic pH.Coleman, William F. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 1103.

Using Jmol To Help Students Better Understand Fluxional Processes William F. Coleman and Edward W. FedoskyThis new WebWare neatly combines instructional text and Jmol interactive, animated illustrations to teach mechanisms that need to be clearly visualized in order to be well understood.Coleman, William F.; Fedosky, Edward W. J. Chem. Educ.2006, 83, 336.

Computational Chemistry |

Enantiomers |

Mechanisms of Reactions |

Molecular Mechanics / Dynamics |

Molecular Properties / Structure |

NMR Spectroscopy |

Nonmetals

Molecular Visualization in Science Education: An Evaluation of the NSF-Sponsored WorkshopThomas J. José and Vickie M. WilliamsonThis report discusses the perceptions and recommendations of participants who attended an invitational workshop on molecular visualization. The Workshop on Molecular Visualization in Science Education sought to encourage collaboration among diverse communities and promote interdisciplinary research in molecular visualization. A group of research scientists, cognitive scientists, chemical and science educators, and software developers participated. As part of the evaluation of this NSF-funded project, changes in attitude and behavior were measured through observation, pre- and post-workshop surveys given onsite, and a one-year follow-up questionnaire. José, Thomas J.; Williamson, Vickie M. J. Chem. Educ.2005, 82, 937.

Orbital Models Made of Plastic Soda BottlesVyacheslav V. SamoshinThe models for demonstration of shape and direction of atomic and molecular orbitals, their overlaps, interactions, and hybridizations may be easily constructed from plastic soda bottles. When the bottles are screwed into the lids, the models of sp3, sp2, or sp hybridized atoms are obtained. Samoshin, Vyacheslav V. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 985.

Molecular Mechanics / Dynamics |

Molecular Modeling |

Atomic Properties / Structure

Audience-Appropriate Analogies: Collision TheoryKent W. PiepgrassThis article presents two new analogies for collision theory based on arcade games and on the interactions between salesclerks and customers in a store. The uses, limitations, and possible extensions of the analogies are discussed. Piepgrass, Kent W. J. Chem. Educ.1998, 75, 724.

Learning Theories |

Mechanisms of Reactions |

Kinetics

Pictorial Analogies XIII: Kinetics and MechanismFortman, John J.Pictorial analogies for first order kinetics, the effect of concentration and temperature on reaction rate, and the requirement for proper molecular orientation for reaction.Fortman, John J. J. Chem. Educ.1994, 71, 848.

The revolution in elementary kinetics and freshman chemistryWolfgang, RichardNew developments in kinetics so fundamentally affect our most elementary conception of chemical change that they must inevitably be reflected in beginning courses in chemistry; includes an outline for freshmen on elementary chemical dynamics.Wolfgang, Richard J. Chem. Educ.1968, 45, 359.